Chad Ochocinco, a former wide receiver, grew up in Miami, Florida, with his parents Sam and Paula Johnson.
Despite not having a father role in his life, Chad was mostly reared by his grandmother and mother. Even though Chad’s father was incarcerated for a major portion of his early childhood, he exhibited a desire to know him.
Chad took advantage of his father’s release from prison and spent time with him. Despite the fact that both of Chad’s parents have died, he still admires and respects them. Chad Ochocinco Johnson is an American former professional football player who rose to popularity as a wide receiver in the NFL. Chad was born and raised in Miami, and he attended Miami Beach Senior High School.
After graduating from high school, he went on to play college football for Santa Monica College and Oregon State. The Cincinnati Bengals picked him 36th overall in the 2000 NFL draft. During this time, Chad received several honors, including being the league’s receiving yards leader in 2006. In April 2011, CNBC named Johnson the “Most Influential Athlete In Social Media.”
Chad Ochocinco Parents: Father Sam Brown and Mother Paula Johnson
The former footballer grew raised with his grandmother and mother by his side while his father, Sam Brown, was jailed, apparently for a drug-related offense. Ochocinco Johnson had a difficult background and was reared by his grandmother and mother. Despite his father’s absence, his mother and grandmother were important figures in his life, with his mother actively involved in his activities and transporting him to school and practices.
Chad had no contact with his father for nearly 20 years, but after he was released from jail, he spent time with him, including attending his games. Despite the difficulties, Chad said that he had no ill will towards his father and wanted to learn more about him. Tragically, Chad’s father, Sam Brown, died on January 16, 2012, from cancer.
Additionally, his mother, Paula Johnson, died in 2021 at the age of 65. Chad, better known as “Ochocinco,” spoke openly about how losing his mother had a severe influence on his mental health. He expressed similar feelings on the “I Am Athlete” podcast: “It hurts to lose the person accountable for who I am,” he said. “Those memories will always be there. I have recollections, both pleasant and horrible. I’ve learnt from the ups and downs that I need to strike a balance and prevent the pendulum from swinging too far in either way.
Chad Ochocinco’s Family
Chad Ochocinco, after enduring problems in his upbringing, is now on a mission to build his own happy family. The former NFL star and his girlfriend, Sharelle Rosado, just announced their engagement exclusively to PEOPLE. Sharelle Rosado was overjoyed, saying, “This is the next step of our beautiful journey together,” after Chad Ochocinco dropped down on one knee in front of friends and family. The couple, who have been together for many years, had a baby girl called Serenity in January 2022.